Mealtimes with selective eaters can be a daily ordeal. Frustration, anxiety, and concerns about proper nutrition can make dining a challenging experience for both parents and children. However, food chaining is one structured, gradual approach that can be used to expand a child’s food preferences.
Food chaining was created by speech therapists Cheri Fraker, CCC-SLP and Laura Walbert, CCC-SLP and was developed to help children with feeding difficulties and selective eating. It’s rooted in the belief that selective eaters have distinct sensory and motor challenges related to food, and therefore it’s important to introduce new foods while respecting the child’s preferences and sensitivities. The method gently guides children to explore new tastes and textures; it is NOT about forcing children to eat new foods! When food chaining with clients, it’s often easier to work with clients who are looking to change. This technique works best with children who are older and who are looking for ways to transition to new foods. Food chaining with younger children, or with children who aren’t yet ready, can sometimes have an adverse effect. You run the risk of altering or “losing” a food they love. I HIGHLY suggest food chaining with kids or young adults who are actively involved in the process. Here are just a few ideas of fall foods I have started and ended within a food chain with clients:
Interested in learning more about food chaining? Send us an email at [email protected] or send us a message on our Instagram (@pickyeatersonline)! Kelly is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in providing therapy and coaching from children to teens and young adults with feeding challenges. She prides herself on individualizing therapy sessions so that you meet your goals, whether that’s expanding your food repertoire, ordering something off a restaurant’s menu, or just appreciating your food preferences so that you can be present at social events. Contact Kelly at Picky Eaters Online to get your questions answered and to take the first step towards your journey, You can contact Kelly and Picky Eaters Online at [email protected] or check out her website at https://pickyeatersonline.com/ to book a free consultation. Find us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Kelly’s services and hypnosis.
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College is often considered a time of self-discovery, independence, and new experiences! However, for some students, it can also be a period of unique challenges, especially when it comes to food. Picky eaters often find themselves struggling with various issues related to their eating challenges, and picky eating in college is not as uncommon as you may think. Strong aversions to foods or preferences can make mealtime a daily struggle.
Challenges Faced by Picky Eaters in College Limited Food Options Many adult picky eaters have self-identified that they consume a decreased variety of foods, including fewer fruits and vegetables (Zickgraf & Schepps, 2016), and are more likely to reject foods with specific textures, with sauces, or specific flavor profiles (Kauer et al., 2015). While college dining halls typically offer a variety of dishes, food is often pre-prepared (and there are limited options when it comes to cooking yourself sometimes!). Picky eaters may find themselves limited to a small selection of foods they are comfortable with and many picky eaters in college have self-reported having fewer options available to them, leading to a lack of variety in their diet and potential nutritional concerns (Dial et al., 2021). Social Isolation College is a time for social interaction and forming connections, and these interactions are often centered around meals. According to Dial et al. (2021), picky eating behaviors are positively associated with social phobia and distress. Although there was no data to measure whether or not their social phobia is specific to eating or if it pours into other social situations, picky eaters self-reported “difficulties during mealtimes and situations like selecting restaurants and preparing food for holidays” (Dial et al., 2021). Picky eaters may feel isolated or excluded from social gatherings because they are hesitant to join their peers at the cafeteria, at restaurants, or at friend’s houses for social events. The fear of judgment or the awkwardness of explaining their dietary challenges can lead to a sense of loneliness. Nutritional Concerns Restrictive diets due to picky eating can sometimes lead to nutritional deficiencies. Picky eaters may miss out on essential nutrients, affecting their overall health and well-being. These nutritional deficiencies can lead to reduced cognitive functioning, lower energy levels and increased fatigue, lower sleep quality, and more, which can negatively impact their academic performance during college. Social Phobia & Tips to Help Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, can exacerbate the challenges faced by picky eaters. This mental health condition is characterized by an intense fear of social situations and a strong desire to avoid them. When applied to food choices, social phobia can manifest in several ways:
Regardless of how the individual’s social phobia manifests itself, here are a few tips I recommend to young adults who experience picky eating:
I highly recommend using books as resources for young adults who are picky eaters. Books, in addition to therapy and/or coaching, can provide practical guidance and strategies to help you expand your palate and take control of your feeding journey. Here are just a couple I often recommend: Conquering Picky Eating for Teens and Adults: Activities and Strategies for Selective Eaters and Picky Eater: 32 Insights, Lessons, and Guidelines When They Haven’t “Grown Out of It”. Support Is Available If you are a picky eater in college struggling with limited food options and nutritional concerns or social phobia, it's important to recognize that help and support are available. Being a picky eater in college can be a challenging journey. It's important to remember that you are not alone and that there are resources and strategies available to help you overcome these obstacles. By seeking support and gradually expanding your food repertoire (or finding small successes that are not necessarily food related!), you can navigate college with confidence and find a healthy balance between your dietary challenges and social interactions. College is already about growth, and with the right mindset and support, you can also find success in navigating picky eating. Kelly is a Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in providing therapy and coaching to teens and young adults with feeding challenges. She prides herself on individualizing therapy sessions so that you meet your goals, regardless of the focus of your goals. That may be expanding your food repertoire, ordering something off a restaurant’s menu, or just appreciating your food preferences so that you can be present at social events. Contact Kelly at Picky Eaters Online to get your questions answered and to take the first step towards your journey, You can contact Kelly and Picky Eaters Online at [email protected] or check out her website at https://pickyeatersonline.com/ to book a free consultation. Find us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Kelly’s services and hypnosis. References: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2016.06.012 Zickgraf HF, Schepps K. Fruit and vegetable intake and dietary variety in adult picky eaters. Food Qual Prefer. 2016; 54:39–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.03.001 Kauer J, Pelchat ML, Rozin P, Zickgraf, HF. Adult picky eating. Phenomenology, taste sensitivity, and psychological correlates. Appetite. 2015; 90:219–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2021.07.006 Dial, LA, Jordan, A, Emley, E, Angoff, HD, Varga, AV, Musher-Eizenman, DR. Consequences of picky eating in college students. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 2021; 53:822-831. Mealtime can be stressful for a lot of families, especially when a picky eater is involved. Whether you’re making one or multiple meals, fetching thing after thing for the table, or cleaning up, you’re likely exhausted after the fact. And, nothing is more stressful than trying to expand your picky eaters’ food repertoire. It may end in arguments, tears, or your child becoming more selective in their eating. One recommendation I give to ALL families is to ensure you’re providing low pressure, positive food-related experiences at home. There are so many benefits (and many negative impacts of pressure during meals).
The importance of providing low pressure food-related experiences: 1. Reduces Anxiety A low-pressure environment helps reduce anxiety and stress associated with mealtime, allowing picky eaters to feel more relaxed and open to trying new foods. Whereas, pressuring picky eaters during mealtime can heighten their anxiety and stress levels. The pressure to eat certain foods or quantities can create a negative association with mealtimes, making it even more challenging for them to try new foods or enjoy the eating experience. 2. Increases Positive Associations with Food When mealtime is stress-free, picky eaters are more likely to develop positive associations with food, leading to improved eating habits and a willingness to explore new tastes and textures, which in turn leads to an expansion in food repertoire over time. 3. Encourages Independence A low-pressure environment empowers picky eaters to make their own choices about what and how much to eat, promoting a sense of independence and autonomy (what kid doesn’t want to be independent?). I love family-style meals, which allows each person to dip out their own food, which means they get to choose the foods they have on their plate and how much. I also like to recommend allowing your picky eater to help serve everyone at the table because they interact with foods they may not be serving themselves. Try using fun serving utensils, like tongs, to make it more enticing for your little one to help out. 4. Prevents Mealtime Battles Pressure during mealtime can often lead to power struggles between parents and picky eaters. This resistance can result in mealtime becoming a battleground, causing frustration, tension, and a negative atmosphere that hinders the child's willingness to explore new foods. Creating a low-pressure environment helps minimize conflicts and allows for a better and harmonious mealtime experience. 5. Foster Positive Social Interactions Mealtime often serves as a social gathering for families. A low-pressure environment allows picky eaters to engage in positive social interactions with family members, encouraging a sense of belonging and enjoyment during meals. 6. Promotes Self-Regulation By providing a low-pressure environment, picky eaters have the opportunity to listen to their internal hunger and fullness cues, fostering self-regulation and a healthier relationship with food. 7. Supports Sensory Exploration Some picky eaters have sensory sensitivities that can make them resistant to certain textures, tastes, or smells. Creating a low-pressure environment allows them to explore and become more comfortable with different sensory experiences related to food. On the flip side, pressure during mealtimes can… 1. Reinforce Negative Associations Pressure during mealtime can reinforce negative associations that picky eaters have with specific foods or mealtimes in general. It may solidify their aversions and make it even more challenging for them to develop a positive attitude towards trying new foods. 2. Limit Food Variety Pressure can contribute to a reduction in the variety of foods that picky eaters are willing to eat. They may become even more resistant to trying new foods or textures, leading to a narrower range of accepted foods and potentially inadequate nutrition. It is crucial to create a supportive and low-pressure environment during mealtime to help picky eaters overcome their challenges and develop a healthier relationship with food. Just remember - every picky eater is unique and therefore every child may need a different approach when it comes to addressing their feeding challenges. It’s important to seek individualized treatment and recommendations from a qualified professional, such as a speech language pathologist or pediatric feeding specialist, based on your child’s specific needs. This includes a comprehensive evaluation that will determine if there are underlying factors that need to be addressed first. If you’re struggling with a picky eater at home, we can help! Kelly is a Speech Language Pathologist and a feeding specialist. If you have questions, please reach out to Kelly at Picky Eaters Online. She can answer your questions about feeding therapy, speech therapy, virtual therapy, and your child’s or teen’s specific needs. Contact Kelly and Picky Eaters Online at [email protected] or check out her website at https://pickyeatersonline.com/ to book a free consultation. Find us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Kelly’s services and hypnosis. School can be so tough. You’re asking your child to go to a completely new place for the majority of their day (or a portion of their day if you’re trying out part-time daycare or preschool) and it’s led by complete strangers. Now add picky eating on top of that… things can get tricky.
Depending on your school, snacks and/or lunch may be offered, or even provided for free. However, school snacks and lunches often are limited in options, which can be challenging for picky eaters with specific food preferences or aversions. If the school menu doesn't include foods that the picky eater likes, they may struggle to find something they want to eat. They may also struggle if they have extreme sensory sensitivities, such as a sensitivity to strong smells. I also hear parents of picky eaters, children, and teens say that they feel self-conscious about their food preferences, especially if they are different from their peers. They may worry about being judged or teased for their food choices, which can make mealtimes stressful. These factors, and more, can make school hard for picky eaters. It's important for parents and educators to be aware of these challenges and work together to find solutions that work for the individual child. Here are four additional tips that I recommended for parents with picky eaters at school: Recommendations for Parents with Picky Eaters at School 1. Talk to your child’s school Talk to your child’s teacher, school nurse, or cafeteria staff about your child's food preferences and any dietary restrictions (this includes allergies too!). They may be able to offer suggestions or accommodations that can make mealtimes more enjoyable for your child, or work with you to come up with a solution. We provide our clients with a handout that parents can give to their child’s teacher to try to easily “explain” your child’s picky eating situation, such as Avoidant/Restrictive Intake Disorder, so school doesn’t need to be so challenging for them. This handout can help parents have an open conversation with their child’s teacher about food without feeling so stressed about it! Contact us and we can email it to you! 2. Send in additional snacks (or keep a few in your child’s backpack) Food notoriously comes up in the classroom on random days and times. Maybe it’s Johnny’s birthday and his parents sent in treats without notice, or maybe Tina brought in treats for everyone just because. Sending in a few additional snacks ensures that your child has something they can eat too while everyone is enjoying their treat. 3. Pack a snack/meal, including a preferred food Depending on your child’s needs, you may want to consider packing a snack or meal from home that includes foods that your child enjoys and is willing to eat. This can provide peace of mind for both you and your child, and ensure they are getting the nutrition they need during the school day. I recommend always packing 1-2 preferred foods so you know that your child will eat something during the day; those school days can be long and taxing! Also, don’t forget to pack foods in containers that your child can open! 4. Involve your child in meal planning Involving your child in meal planning and preparation can help them feel more in control (and may encourage them to try new foods). They may be more likely to eat the foods they bring to school if it’s something they chose or helped plan and prepare vs. opening their lunchbox without knowing what to expect inside. As a side note, I don’t want you to think that school will only be a negative experience for your picky eater. There are some benefits of school when it comes to picky eating. Here are a couple that I think are most important:
Talk to your healthcare provider or seek out support from a feeding specialist if you have concerns about your child’s eating. They can help develop a plan to meet your child’s individualized needs, including searching for underlying causes of your child’s feeding challenges and helping your child expand their food repertoire. Kelly is a Speech Language Pathologist and a feeding specialist. If you have questions, please reach out to Kelly at Picky Eaters Online. She can answer your questions about feeding therapy, speech therapy, virtual therapy, and your child’s or teen’s specific needs. Contact Kelly and Picky Eaters Online at [email protected] or check out her website at https://pickyeatersonline.com/ to book a free consultation. Find us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Kelly’s services and hypnosis. There are SO many feeding related products out there and it can be overwhelming for new moms who are just looking for something that will work for their child. You’ll likely find thousands of products if you do a simple search for a “baby spoon” or “open cup” - brands, colors, shapes, prices ranges… Whew. If your child has feeding concerns and you’re not sure what product to buy, it’s important to work with your child’s feeding therapist to find the best product for them. But, here are a few products that I absolutely love: My Favorite SpoonMaroon Spoons: Yes - old school and boring!! But this spoon has a very flat and shallow bowl, which means that it's very easy for baby to get food off the spoon. It promotes lip closure, is smooth and light, and is small, which limits the amount of food you can put on the spoon to prevent huge bites. Plus, it's inexpensive! My Favorite Introductory Straw CupHoney Bear Cup: This cup is great for teaching your little one how to drink from a straw if it's challenging for them. You can squeeze the body of the bear to make the liquid travel up to the top of the straw, making it easier for them to suck liquid out (they don't have to work as hard if the liquid is already at the top of the straw). Plus, the valve lets liquid flow up into the straw, but doesn't let it flow back down. This tool isn't needed if your child can drink from a straw without any teaching; it's a handy tool to quickly help teach a toddler to suck from a straw (and can usually be faded out rapidly!). My Favorite Sippy CupKids Basix Safe Sippy: Sippy cups typically promote an immature swallow pattern and improper tongue and lip positioning when drinking. This cup allows for some spill-proof drinking (like your typical sippy cup), which is great for parents, but still has a straw feature, which is best for kids when drinking! The straw is nice and short making this perfect for a tiny mouth while still supporting a mature swallow pattern and proper tongue and lip positioning. My Favorite Open CupThe Tiny Cup by EZPZ: Drinking from an open cup helps support oral and speech development, as your child must learn to sip rather than suck (like on a bottle!). This cup is made to support your little one’s transition from a bottle to an open cup. It is small, which means that it will fit in your baby’s mouth and hands, and it holds a small amount of liquid, which can help teach your child to take small sips and swallow rather than take large gulps they could choke on. Plus, the cup is designed with a weighted base and interior angle to support safe drinking. My Favorite Nutritional SupplementENOF (pronounced like “enough”): This nutritional supplement is a great additive for older kids (toddlers +) if you’re worried that your child isn’t eating enough vegetables daily. It’s made from organic vegetable nutrition and you can sprinkle it on top of your child’s foods and/or drinks. A small amount (1/12th of a tsp) equates to 2.5 servings of vegetables! Most parents have said their child doesn’t even taste it. While it’s not made to replace vegetables, I love recommending this to parents of picky eaters in the meantime. Kelly is a Speech Language Pathologist and a feeding specialist. If you have questions, please reach out to Kelly at Picky Eaters Online. She can answer your questions about feeding therapy, speech therapy, virtual therapy, and your child’s or teen’s specific needs. Contact Kelly and Picky Eaters Online at [email protected] or check out her website at https://pickyeatersonline.com/ to book a free consultation.
Find us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Kelly’s services and hypnosis. You just got a high-tech device for your child and you're looking through all the available icons and pages. It can seem a little overwhelming at first! Learning a new device is honestly like learning a new language. Where do you click to ask someone to stop? What page do you click on to say "uh-oh!" after you spilled something? What icon means, "help"?? For some individuals, they are quick to learn where new symbols are as well as the function/use of them. However, this is not always the case, and it can be hard to not get discouraged!
If you have been reading some of our posts and other blogs, we have discussed getting “buy in” from the child using the device. But we have not discussed “buy in” from the parent or caregiver, which is just as important! Although it can feel daunting to learn a new way to communicate, modeling use of your child's AAC device during social communication opportunities and functional communication opportunities is one of the best ways to help your child learn to use their device and get their "buy in". Truth is, children are very motivated to use their device by observing their loved ones and others use it! Which means it's also not just you learning your child's system - it's important for everyone communicating with the child to learn the AAC system along with them. You are not going to get buy-in from asking your child questions, especially about the things they see around them. This can sometimes look like a “drilling” activity. Instead, start by picking out a few simple routines where you can learn the device by modeling. This can help make learning the device seem a little more manageable. Here are a couple of examples: Laundry (sorting laundry beforehand, or after they come out!):
It’s critical to not always model what you think the child wants or needs, but for them to see you model what you want or what you need, as well as how you can participate in a conversation. Try checking out the joke page or preprogramming some interests for the whole family to share stories or talk about recent shared events. Chloe is a Speech Pathologist at Picky Eaters Online who has a variety of experiences working with all ages. She has her Graduate Assistive Technology Certificate from East Carolina University, which allows her to evaluate and help individuals find a device to help them communicate. Chloe is offering virtual AAC consultations at the local and national level for pediatrics to adults with developmental disabilities. She can provide 1:1 training to individuals, their families, and ABA professionals to help integrate communication systems and can help tailor your child’s needs with a system that will help them grow their language skills. Contact Chloe by emailing her at [email protected] or schedule your consultation here. What a wonderful time of the year! Parties, shopping, presents and gatherings - it is a time people look forward to all year. But if your child or teen is one of the many picky eaters out there, the level of stress that you may be feeling over upcoming family meals or parties may be overwhelming. What will my child or teen be able to eat? What kind of snide comments will I hear from family members if she only eats mac and cheese? Will grandma make me feel awful if she sees my son still drinking from a bottle? Will my child be cranky and starving if he does not get his usual foods, which will make the whole day miserable? What if my friends think I am a bad parent because my daughter will not try things? Does anyone know how stressful having a picky eater is on the family, especially during the holidays? Below are helpful tips from a feeding professional that you can use so you and your family (including your hesitant eater) can attend functions with more holiday cheer and less bah humbug. Get things out in the open! Let your family know what is going on and prepare easy explanations beforehand. Let your loved ones know that your child is receiving intervention and educate them. Here are some examples of what you could say:
Talk it out Talk to your child or teen about your expectations. Will this be a “free” day? What is the expectation for sitting at the table? Planning things out before the event can help alleviate issues during dinner. Preparation and communication are key. Ginger, Vanilla and Nutmeg! Oh my!! Holiday dinner smells are wonderful to us, but may be overwhelming to our sensitive eaters! Prepare accordingly and prep your child so they know there may be smells they are sensitive to that you have no control over. You can practice and expose them to these smells at your own house beforehand. This may avoid any shocking meltdowns upon arrival. Prep the Head Chef Simply let the host know what is going on. This may avoid any awkward in-person situations. You will eliminate the feeling that you are offending anyone if your child refuses to eat anything that is being served, or they may even prepare one of your child/teen’s safe foods available for everyone at the table. Holiday time does not equal a therapy session Remember, this is one meal! You get all week to practice in therapy. If having noodles during holiday dinner and skipping the veggies keeps the peace, let it be. Fill up the tank Consider feeding your child or teen before showing up. This way, you know they are getting what they need, plus it avoids any off-putting questions from people asking about their feeding habits. Besides, if it is a bigger group with lots of kiddos running around, nobody will even notice they are not taking part in the food part of the day anyways. Get into giving! Volunteer to bring something to share that your child or teen loves to eat. That way, you know there is at least something there they will devour that you are not pulling out separately for them. By doing this, your child or teen can eat what they know without anxiety, and as a bonus, you have contributed to the party. Even more, you are not drawing extra attention to their feeding behaviors. Win-win! Breathe and give YOURSELF a break. It is your holiday too! We all want our holidays to be perfect. Sometimes when we have gatherings, family, advice, AND a picky eater it feels impossible. But remember, you spend every day improving your child’s or teen’s eating habits. It is okay to take this day and make it special and peaceful by implementing some strategies, and simply enjoy! Kelly is an SLP and a feeding specialist. If you have questions, please reach out to Kelly at Picky Eaters Online. She can answer your questions about feeding therapy, speech therapy, virtual therapy, and your child’s or teen’s specific needs. Contact Kelly and Picky Eaters Online at [email protected] or check out her website at https://pickyeatersonline.com/ to book a free consultation. Find us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Kelly’s services. Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) emphasize using highly motivating targets for communication, especially when initially introducing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We can’t expect your little one to communicate for something they don’t want or don’t like. Using highly motivating targets can help lead to early success during therapy and in the home environment. However, implementing AAC at home can be very overwhelming; using highly motivating targets can be easier said than done! What even is a good highly motivating target for your child? What might resonate with one family might not with another and the way each family implements AAC in the home may look very different. So, what are some ways we can use highly motivating targets to encourage communication at home?
Sometimes families voice that they don’t understand why their child doesn’t want to or won’t use their AAC system. Some children may be more receptive to using their AAC when prompted, whereas others may throw their device due to “feeling pressure” when prompted. For both examples, it can be best to allow for natural opportunities for communication without the added pressure of “use your device!”. Instead, try modeling and talking using their AAC system without expectation for them to use their AAC system to initiate or respond. You can “encourage” opportunities to build authentic communication using their AAC system by getting their “buy-in” without prompting during activities such as:
Here are a couple more tips on encouraging your child’s AAC attempts:
Chloe is a Speech Pathologist at Picky Eaters Online who has a variety of experiences working with all ages. She has her Graduate Assistive Technology Certificate from East Carolina University, which allows her to evaluate and help individuals find a device to help them communicate. Chloe is offering virtual AAC consultations at the local and national level for pediatrics to adults with developmental disabilities. She can provide 1:1 training to individuals, their families, and ABA professionals to help integrate communication systems and can help tailor your child’s needs with a system that will help them grow their language skills. Contact Chloe by emailing her at [email protected] or schedule your consultation here. Selective Eating means limited or restricted food selections (usually less than 20) that have the potential to impact nutrition, development, and growth. The individual with selective eating typically shows interest in the foods they enjoy eating, but may refuse all other foods or even to eat meals with the family.
When treating selective eating, it is extremely important to find the root cause of the problem. Otherwise, we will never truly see results! There are four main causes of selective eating: 1. Sensory Concerns An individual with sensory needs may show hypersensitivity to specific textures, tastes, sight, or smells. They may say things like:
2. Medical Concerns Some feeding concerns are related to certain medical conditions. Examples include chronic health problems such as ear infections, frequent respiratory infections, dental problems, or seizures. Other examples include gastroparesis (slow emptying of the stomach), chronic or intermittent constipation, and pain or discomfort with feeding from things such as reflux or allergies. Some allergies are very difficult to diagnose, such as EoE (Eosinophilic Esophagitis), which takes special testing to examine and diagnose. You may hear an individual with underlying medical concerns say things like:
3. Oral Motor Concerns Another possible cause of selective feeding is oral motor concerns. Oropharyngeal and laryngeal anomalies can impact overall mechanics needed for feeding. The individual may have poor oral motor control or low/high muscle tone that can impact chewing and swallowing. They may say things like:
4. Past Challenges Finally, past and current challenges can cause selective feeding needs. Examples include parent-child conflict (especially surrounding food), parental anxiety, general anxiety, negative experiences related to the mouth (history of NG tubes, oral procedures, being on a ventilator, or surgeries), and time spent in the hospital as a baby (e.g., the NICU). This can also include negative past experiences with feeding, such as pain, coughing, vomiting, or gagging during feeding. Specific fear or anxiety around food is commonly referred to as ARFID, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and can commonly be caused by negative past experience with feeding. You may hear them say:
A Speech-Language Pathologist can evaluate your child’s needs through a comprehensive feeding evaluation, which includes an extensive health history. They can help determine the cause of your child’s feeding needs and work with you to develop a treatment plan. Kelly is an SLP and a feeding specialist. If you have questions, please reach out to Kelly at Picky Eaters Online. She can answer your questions about feeding therapy, speech therapy, virtual therapy, and your child’s or teen’s specific needs. Contact Kelly and Picky Eaters Online at [email protected] or check out her website at https://pickyeatersonline.com/ to book a free consultation. Find us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Kelly’s services. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, describes any way that someone can communicate aside from talking. It helps support functional communication across a variety of contexts and can supplement language regardless of ability level.
AAC can help support a child who…
Whether your child is 1 or 10, it’s NEVER too early or too late to start using Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC. Even older individuals who haven’t had access to a device can still benefit! Your child may benefit from basic low-tech communication systems to help reduce verbal pressure and increase their independence to communicate effectively, or from a language system on a device that helps expand their vocabulary and develop more novel utterances with practice, instruction, and modeling. Here are a couple of things we hear frequently: (1) My child can’t do “X”, “Y”, or “Z”, I don’t think they’re ready. Yes, they are! There are absolutely NO prerequisites to introducing and using AAC, such as age, cognitive skill, motor ability, or linguistic knowledge. There are many different options when it comes to AAC, and a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) can help you find the right one. (2) AAC will stop verbal speech or delay verbal speech. Current research does not support this idea of AAC stopping or delaying verbal speech; it shows positive benefits on speech production! Use of AAC increases functional communication skills and language by reducing demand and pressure, such as motor and cognitive demands, during communication opportunities, allowing the AAC user to focus on their language using a variety of communication methods. Most kids benefit from the verbal, visual, and auditory feedback that is provided through use of AAC. Common AAC Myths: (1) AAC is a last resort for individuals AAC should be considered as one of the first tools for speech and language intervention! It is a tool we can use to support a child’s speech and language skills, even if they can talk. AAC can give them access to additional vocabulary that will allow them to communicate more and more over time. (2) AAC devices are only for children with intact cognition. Those with complex communication needs, regardless of their age, physical or cognitive abilities and disabilities need and deserve access to their voice. In these situations, earlier intervention with AAC is highly beneficial. Remember, it’s never too early or too late! Chloe is a Speech Pathologist who has a variety of experiences working with all ages. She has her Graduate Assistive Technology Certificate from East Carolina University, which allows her to evaluate and help individuals find a device to help them communicate. Chloe is offering virtual AAC consultations at the local and national level for pediatrics to adults with developmental disabilities. She can provide 1:1 training to individuals, their families, and ABA professionals to help integrate communication systems and can help tailor your child’s needs with a system that will help them grow their language skills. Contact Chloe by emailing her at [email protected] or schedule your consultation here. |
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